The first race of the Bucks 5K Series’ 30th year went off without a hitch on Saturday in beautiful 50-degree weather. The Blaze of Glory 5K, benefitting the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company, hosted over 300 runners and walkers on its new course. Kids, and kids at heart, had lots of fun during the 1-mile fun color run. Sponsors filled the firehall with post-race food and festivities. Thanks to all, including our new registration, timing and results company, Run the Day, for helping make the event a true success.

Pat Haneman, 36, was the overall winner. He blazed the course in 18:14, besting second place by 36 seconds. The overall female winner was Kellie Shimer, 42, who covered the course in 20:19. Kellie has been the series’ overall female winner for the past 3 years! Will she do it again in 2026? The second-place female overall, Gert Freas, was also the female age graded master’s winner with an astounding national class score of 88%. On the men’s side, Bob Boland had the highest age graded masters score with an impressive 81%.

Since it was a new course this year, all age group winners have etched their name in history with age group course records.

This year we have 225 registered for the full series. That’s 92 more than we had last year! Thanks for helping make our 30th year the best yet.

IMPORTANT REMINDER TO ALL SERIES RUNNERS: keep your bib in a safe place and remember to bring it to each of the upcoming 6 races!